Travel Journal March 1, 2024 Hawaii Cruise - Day 15
Aboard the Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship, North Pacific Ocean
This was our last full day at sea. Tomorrow (Saturday) we dock at Ensenada, Mexico (which I don’t think is one of the Hawaiian islands), and on Sunday morning we will finish our 15-night cruise in Long Beach, California (which could very well be part of the Hawaiian Islands). This has been the longest cruise we have ever been on. We’ve been on eleven 7-night cruises, one 8-night cruise, and one 11-night cruise. Fifteen nights on a cruise ship has been delightful! What could be better than cruising to Hawaii with absolutely no responsibilities and everyone waits on you hand and foot?
Most of our cruises have been in the Caribbean. We’ve had one Alaska cruise, and one cruise from New York to Bermuda. We have definitely preferred the warmer-climate destinations. This cruise has been, surprisingly, a little on the cool side. Daytime temperatures on days at sea have been mostly in the 60s, and most days on the islands have not been more than the low 70s. I brought 2 bathing suits with me on this cruise, but I didn’t swim at all, in the islands or on the ship. But that has been ok. Finding a quiet corner in the shade to read or nap has suited me just fine.
One interesting thing about this cruise that is different than other cruises is the feeling of complete isolation while at sea. In the Caribbean, a day would not pass when we would not see a few other cruise ships, passing us or going in the opposite direction. Usually they were too far away to wave to the passengers, except in the ports, but even so, there was a feeling of camaraderie among our fellow cruisers with whom we were sharing the ocean. Occasionally, in the Caribbean, we would see schools of fish, even flying fish, who seemed to be accompanying us on our travels. But on this cruise from California to the Hawaiian islands, for 15 days, we have seen only 1 other ship way in the distance on the horizon, and that was a freighter ship, perhaps bringing cargo to southeast Asia. It was somewhat comforting to see that ship, knowing there is civilization out there in the seemingly infinitely wide expanse of the blue Pacific Ocean. As we approached the islands, we saw evidence of whales, and even that was a welcome sight, knowing that there really is life out there! Though there are about 3,000 people on this ship, and after a few days we begin to feel like we are all part of the Carnival Miracle family, there is still some sense of isolation, as if we are the only denizens, albeit temporary ones, of this beautiful ocean!
So, our final day at sea was another quiet one. While Anne did some computer work in the cabin, I found my usual quiet hideaways in lounges overlooking the ocean. In the first location, I was sound asleep until a group of 3 German people sat very close to me and began a very loud, unintelligible conversation. There seemed to be no reason for them to speak so loudly as the place we were sitting was very peaceful. Is it the nature of the German language to speak so loudly? I was startled awake and moved to another location.
After lunch, Anne and I went for a nice walk around the ship up on Deck 10, the highest deck. The sun was shining and the wind was calm, but there was a bit of a chill in the air. It felt good. But, WOW… that Pacific Ocean sure does stretch out forever! It’s easy to understand why early mariners must have worried about falling off the edge of the earth!
After dinner, we went to an 80s-themed show in the theater. There was a lot of energy, dancing, flashing lights, loud music, and powerful singing. Unfortunately, I recognized only 2 songs, and I recognized those only because I heard other performers playing them in other venues on the ship. So, I was not too impressed with the show. On the other hand, Anne recognized all but 1 song and loved the show. Then I realized why: We moved to Tennessee in 1981 and that is when I started listening to country music, so I was completely oblivious to 80s pop music. And at that time Anne was a young women’s leader at church and attended many church dances and became very familiar with 80s music.
We went to a comedy show, and did a little bar hopping to round out the day.
A pleasant final day at sea.
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